Caché (2005)

Michael Haneke’s gripping, multi-layered French thriller Caché a.k.a. Hidden commands the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. This writer/director does not eagerly feed answers to his audiences. He relies instead on their intelligence, something severely bereft in most films in the same genre.

Haneke likes to create merciless psychological unsettlement. His favoured technique is by meticulously controlling the delivery of information. He often plays with point-of-view, sometimes destabilising it to attain his desired effect. Key plot hints are sometimes hidden in background subtleties that one only discovers on repeat viewings.

Caché won several prestigious awards. Several other Haneke films have won or been nominated for top accolades. The White Ribbon (2009) won the Cannes Palme d’Or and Funny Games (1997) is probably the most disquieting film we have ever seen. This is a director to be reckoned with.

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You can find more information on this French-language movie on Wikipedia and IMDb. Ignore the average IMDb rating – this is a superb film.

As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching this trailer:

13 comments

You’ve chosen an electic mix of films. Jolly good! I’ve seen two of Haneke’s films: ‘The White Ribbon’ and ‘The Piano Teacher’. Both strange and intriguing. I’d like to see this one too; I like the lead actors. Thanks!

I wanted to like this film so much. I admire Haneke’s work, and the leading actors are top notch. I have seen it at the cinema, on DVD, and on TV. And although I would like to pretend otherwise, I just don’t get it. It is just too smart for its own good. I usually don’t hold with the criticism ‘style over substance’, but on this occasion, it’s on the tip of my tongue.
Best wishes, Pete.

There is no shame in reading up on a film before a second viewing, if that is necessary. With this one I read a lot to understand the story fully and get what Haneke was attempting. This was the first film by Haneke I saw and I’m a big fan now.